Hells Angels member who was convicted in Maine bank robbery sentenced in RI on gun charge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A man prosecutors say has admitted being a member of the New York chapter of the Hells Angels has been sentenced in Rhode Island to 15 years in federal prison for violating a law barring felons from carrying firearms.

Federal prosecutors said Friday that 42-year-old Christian Rufino, of Brewster, N.Y., was sentenced as an armed career criminal.

Prosecutors say Rufino has convictions in Massachusetts for assault and battery by a dangerous weapon and armed robbery with intent to murder. They also say he was convicted in federal court in Maine of bank robbery by force, violence and intimidation.

Prosecutors say Rufino was arrested in Cranston, R.I., in 2009 when he was stopped for speeding and police found cocaine, a loaded handgun and ammunition in the vehicle. He pleaded guilty to the weapons charge last year.